Emerald Community House (ECH) puts meaning into being ‘the place where connections are made and opportunities realised.’
ECH has been investing in community resilience and connections for decades. As a result, Emerald has a community base with solar and battery storage, recharging services, off grid power, generators, printing, wifi/internet and free food resources. ECH is considering Starlink as a resilient alternative to conventional internet services.
ECH’s Centre of Resilience strategy drives ECH as a resourced charity not-for-profit community business. It also supports the community in times of need with loaned generators, a box trailer for post storm debris removal and other handy tools. Yet, ECH is one of the lowest funded neighbourhood houses in one of the highest disaster risk areas in Victoria.
But life is not just about the hiccups. ECH continues to invest in providing fun and creative activities, highly praised childcare programs, community garden enterprises, a community grocery, artistic expression through the arts and increasing health and wellbeing. Our affordable community market provides diverse community connections while stimulating community enterprise for local market microbusinesses.
The Hills Community Focus quarterly magazine is ideal for emerging writers to express themselves and for promotion of group activities. Local businesses provide ads for the volunteer-driven magazine and local pollies donate paper and promote their work by supporting the HCF, a creation of the Hills Creative Alliance and local Liz Millman.
Our century old hall can be hired for events and parties. It is second to none as the most affordable and resourced venue in the hills with a fenced playground, under cover outdoor areas and a large kitchen.
Childcare paid positions and magazine volunteers currently have openings. Contact ECH for more information or volunteer applications by emailing emhouse@iinet.net.au or check out our website at echvic.org.au.
